Will Manchester City retain the title?

23 November 2012 10:50

Sergio Aguero has vowed that Manchester City will bounce back from their recent European omission by retaining the Premier League title this season. Despite their recent poor form – City remain unbeaten domestically and currently top the Premier League table. The Citizens failed to manage a single win in Europe, but with 8 wins from 12 this season and 25 goals scored in the league, City are returning to their ruthless self that saw them dominate the league for large parts of last season.

After a stuttering start to the season – City looked reminiscent to the side of last season as they thrashed Aston Villa 5-0. Aguero believes their poort start is down to key injuries to the squad with the likes of Silva, Zabaleta, Lescott, Richards Maicon and himself to name a few all suffering early season injuries. However, with the majority of key players back in contention to start, Aguero hopes this will be an incentive to kick on the defense of their crown.

Aguero said: “Last season we had very few injuries. If we have been succeeding despite these difficulties, then it makes me believe that the best is still to come and we’ll be able to repeat our form of last year.”

He has a point – despite the Champions looking far from convincing early on this season, they find themselves top. Manchester City are becoming a championship winning team.

What their neighbours do so well is grinding out results. Much of the success Manchester United have gained over the last 20 years is knowing how to get the win. Even when playing poorly, they have the ability to grind out results. They have learnt that winning mentality across the years, something which City are beginning to show. With such games like Fulham and West Brom away, City have showed that although far from being preponderant and even chasing the game – they can win the tie. With the heroics of Edin Dzeko and the winning mentality Mancini has installed in his players, they do believe they have the ability to win the title. Something that few little teams have.

Having been knocked out of Europe and the League Cup, Mancini finds himself with only two trophies available to win. The FA Cup and the Premier League. The two domestic titles he has already won with City. After the 5-0 drubbing of Aston Villa, Mancini was content on his teams display, and believes he is seeing the similar spirit from his players that he saw last year.

After their dominant title winning campaign, Manchester United and Chelsea both spent millions on reinforcing their squad to be capable of challenging the champions. Chelsea spent £80million on the likes of Eden Hazard, Oscar, Victor Moses. Whilst Manchester United spent £24million on key summer signing Robin van Persie. Whilst both sides have looked lethal in front of goal this season – their defences have looked atrocious. Manchester City boast the greatest defensive record this season, whilst scoring just four goals less than Manchester United.

Manchester City were written off so early this season due to their failure to live up to last seasons form. However as they find themselves top of the league and beginning to look like the side last season, you can expect Mancini to rally his troops for what will be a long, gruelling season. But with Premier League glory achievable for the Manchester side – City will be keen to firmly silence their doubters as they look for consecutive Premier League trophies.